Freezing weather in Finland to ease next week

Finland remains locked in severe winter cold, with temperatures plunging below −40 degrees Celsius in Lapland, as forecasters say a gradual easing of the freeze will begin next week.

Foreca and the Finnish Meteorological Institute confirmed that temperatures in Savukoski, eastern Lapland, dropped to −42.8 degrees on Friday morning, the lowest reading recorded in the country so far this winter. Several weather stations across central Lapland also reported readings below −40 degrees during the day.

Cold conditions have persisted nationwide, driven by a strong high-pressure system settled over the country since the start of the year. Clear skies and weak winds have allowed temperatures to fall sharply, particularly in the north.

On Saturday, bitter cold continued across much of the country. In southern and eastern Finland, daytime temperatures ranged between −8 and −14 degrees, while western regions and the north recorded values between −15 and −30 degrees. In parts of Lapland, temperatures remained between −30 and −40 degrees, with isolated locations falling even lower overnight.

Despite the widespread freeze, the harshest conditions have already begun to ease in parts of southern and eastern Finland. In contrast, Lapland continues to experience prolonged cold, though forecasters say relief is approaching.

“The severe cold has lasted for quite some time, and now a change is in sight, especially in the north,” said Eerik Saarikalle, a duty meteorologist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, speaking to STT. “Early next week, southern Finland will mostly see single-digit minus temperatures.”

According to the Institute, temperatures in Lapland are expected to moderate at the start of the week. By Monday, readings are forecast to remain largely above −30 degrees. By Tuesday, temperatures across the country are expected to range between −5 and −15 degrees.

“A week from now, the whole country will be close to zero,” Saarikalle said.

Snow accumulation over the weekend is expected to remain modest, with most areas receiving between one and five centimetres.

HT